Early SS breast eagle

More about the product

Original Early SS Breast Eagle

An authentic Original Early SS breast eagle (SS Hoheitsabzeichen), machine embroidered in silver-grey rayon thread on a black wool backing for wear on the Allgemeine-SS black service tunic during the pre-war and early wartime years. Despite evident service wear, this example retains the elegant proportions and distinctive appearance associated with the early SS pattern.

The eagle displays the classic long horizontal wings, compact woven body, and suspended wreath enclosing the swastika. Fine machine embroidery remains visible across the wings and breast, while the silver-grey rayon thread contrasts sharply against the black wool backing. These features identify the insignia as one of the recognised early Allgemeine-SS breast eagle patterns.

Furthermore, the eagle shows clear evidence of period use. Fraying around the edges and remnants of original stitching indicate that it was once sewn to a uniform before being carefully removed. Such wear is frequently encountered on genuine surviving examples and contributes to the authenticity and history of the piece.

Historical Background

The Early SS breast eagle became standard uniform insignia for members of the Allgemeine-SS during the mid-1930s. Positioned above the right breast pocket of the black service tunic, the eagle formed one of the most recognisable symbols worn by the organisation before uniform regulations changed during the war.

German manufacturers produced these insignia using high-quality machine embroidery on black wool, supplying authorised examples for wear by SS personnel. After 1945, many uniforms were dismantled, making original loose breast eagles increasingly scarce within the collecting field.

Construction

This example retains the construction expected of an original period-produced insignia:

• Machine-embroidered silver-grey rayon thread.
• Original black wool backing.
• Early Allgemeine-SS long-wing pattern.
• Woven central eagle body.
• Suspended wreath and swastika.
• Hand-cut outline.
• Original period materials.
• Evidence of original uniform removal.

The embroidery remains crisp despite age-related wear and displays the quality associated with early German textile production.

Condition

The insignia remains in good original condition with obvious service wear. The black wool backing exhibits edge fraying and remnants of attachment threads, confirming previous uniform use. The embroidered detail remains well defined, while the silver-grey rayon retains an attractive period tone consistent with age.

Collectability

Original Early SS breast eagles remain among the most desirable cloth insignia produced for the Allgemeine-SS. Collectors value worn examples because they often demonstrate genuine period use and untouched construction. Consequently, authentic insignia removed from uniforms continue to attract strong demand within the specialist militaria market.

Moreover, examples retaining their original embroidery and correct black wool backing remain increasingly difficult to acquire.

Why Collect This Early SS Breast Eagle?

• Original Allgemeine-SS uniform insignia.
• Pre-war and early wartime production.
• Correct machine-embroidered rayon construction.
• Original black wool backing.
• Evidence of genuine period wear.
• Ideal for display or uniform restoration.
• Increasingly scarce collector’s item.

Related items

Explore related listings: Insignia, Shoulder Boards and Breast Eagles.

References and further reading

For further research, consult:

• John R. Angolia – Cloth Insignia of the SS
• Andrew Mollo – Uniforms of the SS
• Robin Lumsden – A Collector’s Guide to the Allgemeine-SS
• Brian L. Davis – German Army Uniforms and Insignia 1933–1945
• Deutsches Historisches Museum (Berlin) – comparative examples of German uniform insignia.
• Imperial War Museums (London) – collections of original military uniforms and cloth insignia.